Birmingham

Birmingham is a big busy city that grew up during the Industrial Revolution and not on the usual tourist trail.

Within Birmingham itself, there are canals and the interesting Jewellery Quarter for a taste of the industrial heritage. The city’s museum and art gallery is outstanding: great for Pre-Raphaelite paintings and also the Staffordshire Hoard. https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery

It used to be known for its balti curries but apparently the Balti Triangle isn’t up to much these days. But you’ll find every type of ethnic food. If you’re into arty hipster stuff, take a look at Digbeth near the city centre: https://visitbirmingham.com/inspire-me/areas/digbeth/

The other thing to say is that Birmingham is extremely well-positioned for the UK rail network and there are a lot of easy day trips, eg Oxford.

I can't add to what Golden Girl said, but will say that I love the Birmingham New Street train station. They have lots of fun places to eat, including a Krispy Kremes store that has beautiful donuts there you will never see in the states!

It is a bit confusing there, but they have lots of staff there who were very helpful, so I would feel free to ask any of them if you can't figure it out.

It's a proper working city, not exactly on the tourist trail but if you are like me, I enjoy mooching around any city.
Brindley place is worth a look around. It's a redeveloped area around a canal junction. Lots of restaurants, a sea life centre, nice walks along the canals.
The library is worth exploring. There are two viewing platforms that give dramatic views across the city. I think the lower one is called the secret garden and possibly on the 7th floor. Nice gardens and benches, ideal for eating a butty whilst admiring the views.
The other is at the top and smaller and more restrictive, connected to a shakespear gallery.
There is the Back to Back tour, a look at a typical group of houses showing how typical Brummies lived (and most working class families in the UK).
On top of that you have large shopping malls and streets.

Don't miss Ozzy, the giant mechanical bull at New Street station, especially when he moves every hour. He is a legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth games in the City.
For context the shopping centre over the station is called the Bullring, referring to Bull Baiting of former times. There is a monument to that close to the Open air market.
The City Museum is now back open to give context to the industrial past of the city, and don't miss the beautiful museum tearoom, and the exhibition about cinemas (movie theatres) in the city.
Also think about visiting the Black Country Living Museum at Dudley- a smaller version of Beamish. If you aren't claustrophobic take one of the boat trips into the Dudley canal tunnel while there.
I'm in the city at least once, possibly twice next week - On a visit to the Cathedral and it's splendid Burne-Jones windows among other features.
Do take a ride on the modern tram network, currently being expanded for the 4th (?) time.

Thanks for all the testimony above! I've been planning an "Industrial Revolution" focused visit for next year (maybe). (IronBridge, etc...)

The reviews are helpful. My only venture into Birmingham was circa 1979!

I’m checking out the replies to get because I spend about 8-10 days a year in the West Midlands, but most of it with family. (We do a lot of things on the western edge of the conurbation, but I’ve never visited sites inside Birmingham itself.) I second the suggestion for the Black Country Museum (they have multiple pubs onsite). Peaky Blinders and other shows have filmed there.

When I flew into Birmingham in March, there was a whole series of advertisements on the walk to the e-gates reminding people Stratford-upon-Avon is nearby.

As you’re interested in beer, check out the CAMRA website for recommended pubs.

Michelin has recommendations for top Indian restaurants in the city. The actress Felicity Jones (from Birmingham) claims the Punjabi Palace is the best curry in Birmingham, although I have not tried it myself.

Nanacy’s experience with her family is probably pretty typical. Most British people wouldn’t think Birmingham is worth visiting as a tourist. It’s certainly not a pretty city for the most part but there are still some interesting things to see. Brindley Place is nice.

If planes from the WWs and Cold War, take a day trip to the Midlands RAF museum which is west of the city.

Iron bridge area is accessible by train.

As mentions, Stratford upon Avon, Oxford and Blenheim Palace.

Lots of choice

Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions.